Brigid
803 S. St. Mary's St., (210) 236-7885, brigidrestaurant.com
Named after one of Ireland's patron saints, Brigid is quite the sight to behold. Simultaneously feminine, soft, industrial and sturdy, the restaurant employs snug booths and indigo velvet chairs that give it an upscale yet casual vibe. On the exposed walls, sketches and un-stretched canvasses help give this quaint nook on St. Mary's a regal feel.
Helmed by Chris Carlson, Brigid follows suit with modern American fare while keeping the menu accessible. Come lunchtime, Carlson and his motley crew (most brought over from his days at Sandbar) deliver one of our favorite power lunches in town. Here, you'll want to order the cured salmon and house-made crème fraiche that's dotted with fresh sliced red onions and briny capers, all served with buttery and lightly toasted bread. The sous-vide pork belly is another favorite, and yes, you can order it from neighboring Francis Bogside. Though our first order of the diver sea scallop sashimi and pickled melon could have used a neater slice, the flavors paired beautifully. Not all of the fare is dainty and light as Carlson knows power lunches require a bit of steak. Enter the steak sandwich on a buttery baguette, cooked medium and paired with horseradish fries and slaw.
Come evening hours, Brigid transitions into an intimate and sultry space, with expert lighting and impeccable service, perfect for that special occasion — we can already see the proposals come December and February. But if it's a morning-after fix you need, this saintly eatery knows brunch is a must. Stop in for classic breakfast dishes such as Madagascar vanilla french toast or barbacoa on house-made tortillas and fried eggs — this is San Antonio after all.
Dishes to try: cured salmon, steak sandwich, scallop sashimi
